Getting Your Home Ready For Winter

It’s time to start thinking about getting your home ready for winter. Even though you might find yourself using your air conditioners long into the fall, it is that time of year again and here are 5 home interior updates you can’t afford to skip!

Add Insulation

If your home lacks insulation or has older insulation in place, you probably suffer from high energy bills. Insulation essentially adds an extra layer of protection between the interior of your home and the cold outside. Adding insulation to your attic or basement can help block out the cold air and reduce the amount of heat you use this winter.

Replace Your Thermostat

Adding a programmable thermostat to your home is a simple way to reduce your energy bills. Sometimes, it’s helpful to engage a local expert when reviewing different units that are available so that you can make the right choice. Some of the newer thermostats can actually learn to predict your behavior based on your patterns and settings. This is something that a local expert will be able to demonstrate to you; so that you can make an informed decision.

Cover the Windows

Take a trip to the hardware store before the first snowfall, and purchase window covering kits. These kits contain thin plastic sheets that you can apply directly to your windows. These plastic pieces block out drafts and keep cold air from getting inside your home.

Eliminate Drafts

Covering your windows will help with drafts, but you might still notice other drafts in your home. Any type of gap between your door and its surrounding frame can let cool air slide inside your home. Pushing a simple blanket under the door can stop that draft, but if you notice more cool air escaping through the gaps, you might need to replace your door or the insulating strip around it.

Take Care of Gutters

Before winter arrives, take the time to clear any debris from your gutters. Melting snow and ice drips through your gutters and away from your house, but any debris will cause the water to freeze on your roof or even in your gutters making them heavier and prone to damage. Beyond that, without proper drainage, ice can damage the shingles on your roof or even cause a cave-in due to the amount of weight from the snow and ice.